Portugal vs Hungary – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Portugal take on Hungary at the Estádio José Alvalade on Tuesday in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier.

The Seleção das Quinas are flying high at the summit of Group F with maximum points from their opening three fixtures, while Hungary occupy second place in the standings with four points from three matches.

Portugal vs Hungary – Match Preview and Team News

Team News

Portugal

Roberto Martinez’s squad have been dealt a significant blow. They have ruled out Paris Saint-Germain midfielder João Neves due to a thigh injury that has kept him sidelined at the club level. After medical assessments confirmed he was unfit, the team called up Lazio left-back Nuno Tavares as his replacement.

In another change, the manager has also released AC Milan winger Rafael Leão from the squad. Martinez assessed Leão’s physical condition after his substitute appearance against Ireland and deemed him not ready for another match as he works his way back from a calf injury.

Furthermore, veteran defender João Cancelo remains unavailable, forcing Martinez to shuffle his defensive options. On a more positive note, the return of Nélson Semedo from Fenerbahçe provides a boost. The full-back is making his first international appearance in over a year after recovering from knee problems. With Leão now absent, the fit-again Pedro Neto will likely start on the wing, with Matheus Nunes also expected to feature prominently.

Hungary

In contrast, Hungary welcome back both Roland Sallai and Barnabás Varga for this encounter after the pair served their suspensions. Sallai was sent off during the opening qualifier against Ireland, while an accumulation of yellow cards kept Varga out of the Armenia match.

Meanwhile, Liverpool captain Dominik Szoboszlai remains a key figure in the lineup. The midfield maestro will be crucial to Hungary’s hopes of causing an upset in Lisbon. In fact, the Magyars arrive at full strength for this crucial encounter, with goalkeeper Alex Toth expected to start between the posts.

Form

Portugal

Martinez’s men come into this match in exceptional form. In fact, they have won their last six matches across all competitions, including their UEFA Nations League triumph in June. This success has continued in their World Cup qualifying campaign, which includes a 5-0 thrashing of Armenia and a dramatic 3-2 victory over Hungary last month.

In their most recent outing, however, the defending Nations League champions required a stoppage-time winner from Rúben Neves to edge past Ireland 1-0. Nevertheless, that victory extended their impressive home record and once again demonstrated their never-say-die mentality.

Hungary

The Magyars, on the other hand, have endured a turbulent period, managing just one victory in their last seven competitive fixtures. Although their 2-0 triumph over Armenia provided some respite, they remain winless in their last six away matches. Therefore, despite showing character in their 3-2 defeat to Portugal last month, Hungary’s defensive frailties have often been exposed on the road.

Predicted Lineups

Portugal Predicted XI: Costa; Dalot, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Trincao, Fernandes, Silva; Ronaldo

Hungary Predicted XI: B. Toth; Nego, Orban, Szalai, Kerkez; Bolla, Styles, Schafer, Szoboszlai; Sallai, Varga

How to Watch Portugal vs Hungary?

UK fans can watch the World Cup qualifier live on Amazon Prime Video on a pay-per-view basis.

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